Albany, N.Y.-- As the result of a new law sponsored this year by Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira), farm wineries in the Finger Lakes and statewide will be able to better respond to adverse weather conditions that have caused significant losses in several varietals of New York State’s 2005 grape crop.The legislation, which was supported by the New York Farm Bureau, was signed into law in June by Governor George Pataki."The new law cuts a lot of bureaucratic ‘red tape’ for our farm wineries," said Winner.

Elmira, N.Y.-- Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) today announced that Frank C. "Fritz" Pesesky, a well-known figure in Chemung County veterans’ affairs and longtime director of the county’s Veterans Service Office, has been inducted into the New York State Senate’s newly established, online Veterans Hall of Fame."Fritz Pesesky is remembered as someone who loved and served his country, and who then continued to give his heart and soul in civilian life to the well-being of area veterans and their families," said Winner.

Albany, N.Y.-- Legislation sponsored this year by State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) to create a permanent, comprehensive process to review state rules and regulations to make sure that they’re not detrimental to the state's agricultural industry, has been signed into law by Governor George Pataki."This new law truly marks a significant shift in the state government landscape by guaranteeing that our regulatory bureaucracy undertakes an across-the-board assessment of its impact on farming.

Albany, N.Y.-- Governor George Pataki has signed into law legislation sponsored by State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira), chairman of the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, which encourages cooperation in localplanning and zoning.The new law (Senate Bill Number 3154, Chapter 658 of the Laws of 2005) was developed and advanced as a bipartisan initiative by the Commission on Rural Resources, with assistance from the State Land Use Advisory Committee, a panel of community planning and zoning experts.

Elmira, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Hammondsport) todayreminded area voters to supportthis year’s proposed $2.9-billion "Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act," calling it a "linchpin of future road and bridge safety, and economic development throughout our region."New York’s voters will decide the fate of the bond act, approved by state legislators and Governor George Pataki as part of the 2005-06 state budget,when it appears on the November 8th general election ballot.

Elmira, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) today reminded area residents that the New York State Department of Correctional Services is currently undertaking a statewide Correction Officer recruitment effort.A state Civil Service examination for the new positions has been scheduled for October 27, 2007. Those interested in taking the examination must file an application by September 10."A New York State correction officer performs an admirable public service and plays a vital, indispensable role within our correctional facilities.

Albany, N.Y.-- "New York State can take some actions of its own to help address this energy crisis, and the Senate will do everything we can to keep attention focused on the need for action," said State Senator George H. Winner, Jr.

Albany, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) today said that the New York State Senate Task Force on Medicaid Reform will begin a series of statewide public hearings on Medicaid fraud with a forum at the state capital on Wednesday, September 21st.The hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Elmira, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) today announced that during the month of September he will conduct 64 "community meetings," one in every town he represents, to give residents of the 53rd Senate District an opportunity to directly share their concerns and opinions with their elected state representatives.

Winner will be joined at many of the meetings by area state assemblymen Jim Bacalles (R-C, Corning) and Tom O’Mara (R-C, Horseheads).

Bath, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira)has established a satellite district office in Steuben County. Winner’s Steuben County office is located on 105 East Steuben Street in Bath. The mailing address is 105 E. Steuben Street, Bath, New York 14810. Telephone: 607-776-3201. Fax: 607-776-5185. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. "The Steuben County office provides a centrally located point of service for the 53rd District.

Ithaca, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) today announced that Tompkins County, the city and town of Ithaca, and Cornell University have been awarded records management grants from the New York State Archives."I’m extremely pleased that Tompkins County, the city and town of Ithaca, and Cornell University will benefit from this valuable grant program to help achieve more effective and efficient records management systems.

Elmira, N.Y.-- Legislation sponsored this year by State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) to authorize the direct shipment of wine into and out of New York State, has been signed into law by Governor George E. Pataki."It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally beginning a new, modern economic era for New York State’s grape-and-wine industry," said Winner, who represents the state’s largest wine-producing region in the Finger Lakes.

Albany, N.Y.-- The New York State Legislature has approved legislation sponsored by State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) to create a permanent, comprehensive process to review state rules and regulations that could be detrimental to the state's agricultural industry.The measure nows goes to Governor Pataki to be signed into law."This legislation seeks to ensure that New York's bureaucracy constantly monitors the impact state rules and regulations have on agriculture.